''Fire up your metabolism with TVs top trainer, Jillian Michael's, and lose big with her fierce formula that adds strength and ab moves to dynamic cardio for increased fat loss. This 40-minute circuit workout blasts your heart rate with challenging intervals to turn up the burn and melt off the pounds. Whether you're just getting started, or ready for a hard-core workout, Jillian will help you reveal a ripped, lean body''

Before you carry on reading, this is a 'first impressions' review; I have only used this DVD once and I want to give you my initial thoughts. I will do a full review on the effectiveness of it after a couple of months.

I love Jillian Michael's work out DVDs. I also workout to the 30 day shred but I wanted to buy another DVD as I felt that my body was getting used to the 30 day shred. It's always good to give your body a challenge!

The DVD contains:

A 5 minute warm up

The 40 minute cardio circuit which is broken up into seven six-minute circuits

A 5 minute cool down.

All in all, the workout is 50 minutes long! This is a MASSIVE jump from 30 day shred, which is a mere 20 minutes! I was actually dreading using this DVD, but it was not that bad. The first five circuits are bearable - I could do most of the moves. Unfortunately, it does get harder (which is good I guess) and I was unable to do some of the moves due to sheer fatigue! Even though this is wholly marketed as a cardio workout, there is some element of ab and strength exercises. Some of the ab workouts are done standing up - very unusual and interesting! You do a certain group of exercises for three minutes and then repeat - this is basically one circuit. There are a lot of plyometric moves - these focus on fast, explosive movements such as doing a squat jump. Apparently this is one of the best ways to lose weight and increase your metabolism.If you're familiar with the 30 day shred workout, mainly level 3, you will know what I'm talking about!

Method: My 21st birthday party is coming up (in 2 months lol) and I want to look as fit as a fiddle lol - that is my motivation! I would not use this as the only form of workout though. It is quite intensive and I don't want to tire my body out therefore doing it 2-3 times a week will suffice. I've read that teaming this up with the Jillian Michael's 'No more Trouble Zones' is highly effective. I haven't got this DVD yet but I'm definitely considering it. Remember, this DVD is mostly cardio and a bit of abs (there is a specific abs circuit) so it's good to do something different the next day - such as a strength exercise or maybe something lighter. Another thing about this DVD is that you have the ability to choose which circuits you would like to do - however I would not feel satisfied.. I need to do every circuit for that!How did you feel after the exercise? OK this has NEVER happened to me before. After the workout, I showered and then ate a full Indian dinner. I probably ate more than I usually do (I was starving). I then watched TV for an hour, and after the programme had ended - I was hungry again. I could literally feel the fat burning. I woke up the next day feeling slimmer. I even looked it. It was such an amazing feeling. My knees did feel a bit sore though!

Would you recommend it? I would highly recommend it. Even though I have only tried it once, I literally felt the fat burning. It is not as super intensive as 30 day shred level 2.. there is a much slower pace but it does get faster and tougher. There are some very similar moves to 30 day shred; if you're a fan of the 30 day shred, I would highly recommend this! Jillian is a great trainer - she is highly motivating and gets to the point. Just like the 30 day shred she is with 2 other girls who both have amazing bodies - even more of an incentive!

Would you recommend it to beginners? Yes and No. The reason that I'm a bit indecisive is because it is seriously not that bad (I still struggle with some aspects of the 30 day shred) and if you do find it difficult then you can always pick the circuits you want to do. It does get harder though - I would say my fitness is a tiny bit above average and I did struggle but I wanted to struggle. If I found the exercise far too easy then I wouldn't feel as if I worked out enough.

Sorry about the overly long post, I'm trying to be as thorough as possible! I hope you enjoyed reading this review. I am not affiliated with Jillian Michael's whatsoever even though it looks like it lol.

What a cute blog, following....The woman has an amazing body, look at these abs!!!Here is my blog for whenever you are feeling like stoppin by. If you do, dont forget to join the prizegiveaway contest. Only 3 days left!!!http://beauty-is-within.blogspot.com/